Running a single parent household is a daunting task, and yet it is something that is more frequently heard of today than even a decade ago. Being a single parent could be a result of choice, divorce or death of a partner. When faced with having to deal with the trauma of a separation or death, individuals with children often find that being a single parent is the harder task. Click here to Read more
Children of single parents need more attention and care than those in two-parent households to help them adjust and understand the world. Single parents are often reluctant to ask for help, afraid that it will show weakness or an inability to cope. However, it is often the smartest and most efficient solution. Family and friends of single parent homes can help with tasks like babysitting, picking up children from school or nursery, looking after children when errands have to be run, or helping with homework. Affordable child play groups or after-school care centers are also options that should be considered when deciding on a new routine for a single parent household.
A common problem faced by single parent households is a lack of a role model for children. While most children grow up observing the interaction between two parents and learning about healthy social responsibilities or relationships, single parent families need to be creative about this. Trusted relatives and close family friends often offer a chance for children to observe and learn through interaction. Click here to Read more
Child Care & Single Parents
Caring for a child if you are a single parent isn’t an easy task but if you are caring for a child on your own then there are several ways you can get help and support, you may also be entitled to help with costs for child care if you are working or want to return to work. Benefits you may be entitled to claiming are:
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit
- Child care allowance
Child tax credit
You can claim for this benefit if you have one child or more regardless of whether you are working or not, if you have a child under the age of one year old you will receive a higher payment or if you have a child who is disabled. Click here to Read more